Architectural Science Undergraduate Degree Program
Design to help people and the planet thrive
What makes this program different?
Our Bachelor of Architectural Science equips you to design, detail, and deliver buildings and settings that are innovative, sustainable and culturally uplifting. Here, you’ll be challenged and empowered to creatively transform and shape environments that inspire communities, improve lives, and positively impact the world.
Degree:
Bachelor of Architectural Science (BArchSc Honours)
Program:
Architectural Science
Accreditation:
Canadian Architectural Certification Board (*+ MArch)
Options:
FT 4yrs, Co-op 5yrs, 3 degree concentrations, international learning
The only multi-disciplinary program of its kind in Canada
Our unique program integrates architecture, building science, and project management in every year of the program, and balances core requirements with liberal studies. It’s also the only pre-professional architecture program in Toronto that prepares you for direct entry into professional MArch programs and advanced standing in other graduate degrees.
Students can build full-scale installations & exhibits
Our labs, workshops, and researchers give you hands-on access to tools, technologies and expertise to build full-scale artifacts & installations.
Our Paul H. Cocker Gallery is a critical forum for international exhibitions, creative work and advocacy by students, faculty and guests.
International travel & co-op options
The co-op and internship program provides eligible third-year students with work experience at top professional design firms in and beyond Toronto. Students can also join local and global field trips, summer studies abroad, and exchanges in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and India through our global learning options.
Funding for your studies & business ideas
Explore scholarships, awards, income opportunities, and financial assistance options to finance your studies.
If you have an innovative idea or startup, you may also qualify for Esch Award funding, which supports eligible ventures from the ideation to launch stages.
Explore your journey
As a student in the Bachelor of Architectural Science (Honours) (BArchSc (Hons)) program, you’ll study the principles, precedents and theories of architectural design, as well as technical and regulatory aspects of building and construction. You’ll also learn about sustainable practices, site evaluation, and time and resource management. The program is designed to prepare you to become the progressive and proficient professional that the industry values and society needs.
When it comes to buildings, a strong foundation is essential. The same applies to your education. That’s why the first three years of our program provides a common curriculum.
1st Year
First year sets the context for your education. You’ll be introduced to architectural concepts and fundamental skills, as well as the creative and collaborative studio environment.
2nd Year
Second year exposes you to a deeper exploration of design processes, tools, and projects of increasing complexity.
3rd Year
In the third year, the multiple components of your education will come together through integrated design studios and a comprehensive set of related architectural science courses. After the third year, eligible students may participate in a co-operative education internship and/or apply for summer travel studios and global exchange programs.
4th Year
In fourth year, you will have the opportunity to tailor your program to suit your individual interests and goals, with the option of pursuing one of three concentrations: architecture, building science or project management. Students may alternatively mix and match studios, seminars and courses from all three areas with no concentration.
A full description of each course can be found in the undergraduate calendar.
"Our program fosters architectural imagination, technological innovation, and environmental stewardship.We empower students to design for a changing world and sustainable future."
Architecture
The architecture concentration enhances your design abilities and critical thinking skills through advanced design studio options, theory courses and research seminars. As a graduate of this concentration, you will have an outstanding portfolio for professional MArch programs and find career opportunities in architects’ offices, as well as in other design and creative fields, product design, historic conservation or urban planning.
Building Science
The building science concentration offers an advanced level of technical studies into building performance and sustainable detail design and control systems. As a graduate of this concentration, you’ll find career opportunities as a building science consultant, a technical specialist in architects’ offices, an expert in the research, development and testing of building products or systems, or in areas of material fabrication, manufacturing and construction.
Project Management
With the project management concentration, your studies will focus on the managerial and economic aspects of construction projects, including procurement, planning, supervision and control of resources. As graduates of this concentration, the career opportunities include construction management, design process management for architects, field supervision and environmental and management strategy planning, as well as development and management of real estate / planning / conservation feasibility studies.
No concentration
Students may tailor their professional course selection to their individual interests by mixing and matching studios and courses across all three areas of architecture, building science, and project management while exploring other electives in interior design, planning, environmental studies and more.
Regardless of your concentration, all BArchSc graduates are eligible to apply to professional Master of Architecture (MArch) programs, which is a necessary step toward becoming a licensed architect, or to related graduate programs, including our Master of Building Science and Master of Project Management in the Building Environment (MBSc, MPM or MASc).
The Architectural Science Co-operative Education Internship (ASCEI) program provides eligible third-year students with work experience at a professional firm. You’ll graduate in five years with invaluable experience, a strong industry network, and a co-op designation on your transcript and degree.
Classroom and work placement schedule :
Our Global Learning program provides you with opportunities to study internationally through field trips, exchanges and studios abroad.
Get involved!
You are so much more than your degree. At DAS, our student organizations, co-operative education internship program, global learning opportunities, and many extra-curricular opportunities add up to a rich educational experience. Develop your creativity, leadership and perspective by taking part in international exchanges, 325 Magazine, design-build teams and more. There’s a lot of life here. Connect with our thriving community by getting involved.
Launch a business:
Are you an emerging entrepreneur? With the latest technology at your disposal and support from industry mentors, the Design Fabrication Zone (DFZ) can help bring your ideas to market.
Student Support
Program-specific, career development, personal counselling and more, TMU is #1 in Ontario for providing support throughout your student journey.
Student work
Determined to create designs that make an impact? From years one through four, DAS student work generates new perspectives about the future of the built environment.
What does an architectural science graduate do?
Career possibilities
Become an architect, building scientist, project manager, policy advocate, researcher, and creative change-maker! Work with designers, developers, governments and communities to transform environments for the better. Apply your skills to construction industries, creative fields and entrepreneurial enterprises!
Possible employers:
TMU architectural science graduates work for a variety of leading companies, in various roles including:
- Architecture49
- Diamond Schmitt Architects
- ENFORM
- Gow Hastings
- Waterfront Toronto
- + More
Samantha Menard
Project Director, Energy & Carbon EQ Building Performance Inc.
"The Building Science courses I took had an engaging and practical focus on how buildings are designed and how to approach design with a sustainability focus… While I've always loved architecture, being able to influence the performance of a building and educating others to do the same has become a passion."
Architectural Science (BArchSc) ʼ12
Jason Fung
Principal Architect, Jason Fung Architect Inc.
“I remember my first day - it was like Disneyland - everyone was also interested in the wide range of subjects. That's what really clinched it, that first day of undergrad.”
Architectural Science (BArchSc) ʼ08
$10M for entrance scholarships
We offer more than $10M in academic-based entrance scholarships.
$50k for current students
We also offer more than $50k in architectural science-specific awards. Look for one of our eight awards on the university’s scholarships and awards platform. (external link)
Earn income & develop career-related skills
Undergraduate research assistantships are available for third year students with a CGPA of 3.0 or more.
The Career Boost program provides jobs to eligible full-time undergraduate students.
Get financial assistance
Get info on government financial aid programs such as OSAP, out-of-province student loans, and U.S. student loans.